Meet Terence Shaun McGovern, Artist and Model

Terence Shaun "T-Shaun" McGovern is a 21 year old artist/model. His music style mainly consists of R&B and hip-hop, and he writes, records, and engineers all of his songs. He continuously works at his music to improve his skills as an artist. Music has gotten T-Shaun through many difficulties, and makes him feel full of life, meaning, and purpose. From talent shows to open mic nights, he has performed in Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and Hollywood.

1. When did you first get into writing your own music?

About a year ago I started getting into it. Collaborating with other artists has helped me get better. And I feel the more and more you write, the better you get.

2. What does engineering and producing your own work add to your music?

It lets you have more control over your music, and making it the way you want it to sound. A lot of engineers and producers have different styles, and sometimes they won't fit you. Personally I like to do it myself because I know it will come out the best it can.

3. What inspired you to move from New Jersey to California?

Change, a lot of people are afraid of it but I think it's crucial if you want to succeed. But I wanted to be close to the entertainment industry center. The weather isn't so bad here either.

4. What projects are you currently working on?

I have been practicing a lot of acoustic songs for live shows. Also I have some music on the back burner. At this point in time I'm waiting to find the right team to help me with my album.

5. Do you have any dream projects you'd especially love to be able to do?

To have a legit album the world can hear. Working with all professional people that are the best at what they do helping bring out the best me possible. I'd love to collaborate with Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Drake, Nikki Minaj, and many more.

Thanks, T-Shaun!

Meet J-Hen, Recording Artist

J-Hen is an R&B/Hip-Hop recording artist from the Dallas metroplex area. His passion for music first began at an early age, and he taught himself how to write his own songs when he was in middle school. He and his friends released their first LP, which included tracks of J-Hen singing, when he was still in high school.

His latest single, "On To The Next," was produced in Miami, FL at the infamous The Hit Factory Criteria Recording Studios. Learn more about J-Hen by visiting http://j-hen.com.

1. Growing up, how did you teach yourself to write your own songs--and then did you teach yourself to produce as well?

Growing up, I started out as a rapper and I used to write lyrics for my homies so I slowed it down a bit and realized that I liked R&B better. I started writing about my life experiences and it just kept getting better and better. As far as producing, I started out with a program called Fruity Loops. I think every producer has heard of that program! I was just messing around with it and just started creating my own beats.

2. Your work seems to have some diverse influences behind it, from current hip hop music to 1980s pop. When you sit down and write today, who are the artists that continue to inspire you?

There's quite a few but Michael Jackson, James Brown, Prince, Genuine, and Usher are a few that I would like to acknowledge.

3. What is the music scene like in Dallas, and how has that influenced your work?

The music scene in Dallas is actually starting to really open up. It's always been here--it's just knowing who, what, when, where, and why and being in the right place at the right time.

4. What projects are you taking on in 2017?

My new album is coming out in January 2017, as well as a tour to introduce my new album "On To The Next," a feature part as an artist trying to make it in the music business in a movie called "Caught Up" by Sharon's Revelatory Productions, as well as performing on the 2017 The Experience Factor Cruise on Carnival.

5. For readers who haven't heard your music before, what would you like them to know about it, and what song or album of yours would you suggest that they listen to first?

My music is about relationships and life experiences and is typically written so that people can relate to and really feel and be inspired by it. I love to paint vivid stories in my music so that you not only hear the music but you can close your eyes and see it also.

The album I would suggest they listen to first is "The Prelude." This album gives you a peek into what my music is all about. It's a prelude of what's to come. It's all about feeling good and just enjoying and being able to relate to my music. My next album "On To The Next" showcases the level I am on now in my career.

Thanks, J-Hen!

Meet Shoyei, Musician and Producer

Shoyei provides royalty-free music for personal and commercial use. Specializing in chill hip-hop and indie, he has had success working with marketing agencies, filmmakers, vloggers, and artists alike. He has been sending out free music on a monthly basis to his subscriber list.

To learn more, check out shoyei.net.

1. How did you first get involved in producing music?

I've played instruments my whole life, but when I got to college, space became an issue. I couldn't set up with a bunch of loud gear to practice, so I resorted to playing around with samples, synthesizers, and drumpads on my computer. Over the years I've had plenty of opportunities to use what I know about producing to help out with some cool projects.

2. What made you decide to create work to share on a royalty-free basis?

I've been in enough situations where quality stock music is required and it ends up being hard to come by. A lot of what you find on the web is very generic or has a "dated" sound. I've always been writing fun beats and hooks, so I saw this need and wanted to contribute.

3. What's your process like when it comes to working with a client on creating a custom track for them?

Good question. First I ask my clients what kind of mood they're looking for and what the big picture is. If they have an example of something that inspired them, I will absolutely work with that. I work mostly with filmmakers, so the vibe is very important. Once I feel like I'm onto something, I send a snippet back to see if it's what they had envisioned. If not, I start again. It normally takes two revisions to get to where both parties are really happy.

4. Could you tell us about some of your favorite projects that you've worked on over the years?

My most challenging request was a full-length documentary that had their original source for the score fall through. They asked me and a close colleague of mine to score the entire film before they were scheduled for their MPAA rating. That happened to be a month away. We wrote and recorded 17 individual pieces for the film. The entire experience stretched me as a musician, but I still feel proud of many of those pieces.

5. When it comes to your royalty-free tracks, what are some of your favorite ways you've seen your work used?

I've seen my tracks used at conferences and film festivals, which is a really great feeling for me. It's also really awesome to hear some of it behind a filmmaker's video reel. It means that they're putting their best foot forward with the best music they could find.

Thanks, Shoyei!

Meet Sullee J, Poet and Hip Hop Artist

Sullee J is a warrior poet and philanthropist from Baltimore. He's an emcee whose strong will and devotion to the human spirit carries his exploration of the language, making serious play of the words that represent the deepest of the mind's pains, hopes, losses, and fears. He has recently collaborated with Young Buck, Project Pat, Joe Moses, Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Canibus, Cashis, Cyssero, K-Rino, and more.

Check out Sullee J's music on SoundCloud and YouTube, and follow him on Twitter.

1. When you were a kid, what came first for you--music or poetry, or did you become interested in both around the same time?

Poetry. If anything made sense at that point, it was putting my feelings into words. I felt like it was the best way to understand myself, and for myself to be heard. I would write for hours, and somehow it all came out in rhythmic patterns. The ink bled my thoughts, allowing me to escape my mind's darkest caverns.

2. What is your process like when it comes to composing new work?

Sometimes, depending on my mood, a whole song can take me under 20 minutes to write, and sometimes I will spend a week. It all depends on what I'm going through, and the current emotion I'm allowing to peak.

3. You do a lot of collaboration with other artists. What does collaboration add to your own work?

It allows me to build with the other artists and show versatility in my music. Because most of the collaborations I've had are with major artists, it really allows me to challenge myself as a musician. I will always be different--I choose not to be congruent. I want to show my fans, but also other artists on the come up, always stay true to yourself, regardless the influence.

4. What projects are ahead for you in 2016?

Stay tuned for a lot of brilliant works in the mix right now. My latest project coming out next is Andrew Slayer: The Undefined Soul. A clash between Hip Hop/EDM.

5. What is your advice to others who are interested in rap and hip hop but haven't started recording and sharing their own rhymes yet?

Don't let anyone else tell you how to feel about yourself. If you believe in your dreams, then keep going. You don't need people in your circle that are constantly putting you down. Stick to positive energy only. Life is too short to allow negativity to surround.

Thanks, Sullee J!

Meet DoMoJOAT, Artist, Musician, and Performer

DoMoJOAT, short for DoMo The Jack of All Trades, is an amazing artist/performer from Brooklyn, NY. He dances, plays the steel pan and piano, arranges music, writes poetry, write songs, sings, and raps. What can't he do?

He used to perform with his backing music on cds or mp3s, playing digital tracks. Then he realized that the live sound always sounds better during a performance, and in time he formed his own band. They call themselves "Andefekt" (And-Effect). They have performed all over NY, and DoMoJOAT himself has performed all over the country. He and the band are seeking and working to expand.

Learn more about DoMoJOAT and Andefekt on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

1. How did you first get started making music as a young man?

My first introduction to music was when I was in 6th grade and I learned to play the steel pan. I then started to write music in high school. I started with writing reggae music, then in college I started writing more hip-hop.

2. When you're composing music, what's your process like? Does the rhythm usually come to you first, or the words, or...?

When I'm composing music, the rhythm usually comes to me first. It's more of a feeling and mood that I get, and I express it through the music. The words usually come after.

3. Would you tell us a bit about Andefekt and the music that you create and perform with the band?

Andefekt consists of five members. DoMoJOAT lead vocalist and steel pan player, Jovii Linkz Lead Guitarist, Ryu Drummer/Keyboardist, Jabbsz Drummer, K9 Keyboardist. We're all from Brooklyn, NY. The music the band plays is DoMo's (my) original music, also some cover songs as well. We're in the process of creating new material as a band.

4. What are some of the key differences between digital/recorded sound and live music?

Key differences are freedom for the artist. When playing with a band, the artist has more freedom to do more and add more theatrics to their performance versus an artist performing to a CD that's just playing the track that was produced, mixed, and mastered. When playing the music live, it's a natural feeling that the artist knows they're creating for their audience which is a great experience.

5. Looking ahead into 2015, what do you see yourself doing over the course of the year?

I see myself creating some new videos for the year, touring with the band, working on either another mixtape or album, and always keeping working and never quitting.

Thanks, DoMo!

Meet Psy'Aviah, Electronic Music Artists

Psy'Aviah was founded in 2003 by producer and composer Yves Schelpe, later joined by vocalist Emélie Nicolaï, and guitarist Kristof De Clerck. Since 2011, the band consists of Yves, Emélie and Ben Van de Cruys. Known as open-minded electronic music artists, Antwerp-based Psy'Aviah want to challenge the world to think about "Our Common Future." Check out their music video for Our Common Future on YouTube. The track debuted in February of 2014.

How will we live together, and how we will care for each other? "Our Common Future" explores these questions and mixes dub, pop, and triphop, with a special warm sound from the lush synthesizer of Yves (Psy'Aviah) and the smooth and emotional vocals by special guest Kyoko Baertsoen.

You can listen to and purchase Psy'Aviah's music on Spotify, iTunes, and BandCamp.

Our interview below is with Yves.

1. How did you first get into electronic music?

When I was 16, I first started creating electronic music. While everyone else was playing guitar, drum kits, and bass, I saw the opportunity to work alone and form my own band.

Back then I was heavily influenced by Praga Khan, Underworld, Moby, and a lot of trance music (Svensson & Gielen, PUSH, etc.). Especially the album "Mutant Funk" of Praga Khan sparked me to write my own music, since that album showed me how genres & other influences could be incorporated into a song. To this day it's still a big influence, and it has shaped the band's tagline: "open-minded electronic music with heart and soul," which truly describes what we do. We're not afraid of trying out new genres, directions, or styles. From reggae to triphop to hiphop to ebm to ambient and more... It all has a special place and influence in the music of Psy'Aviah.

2. What are some of the challenges of writing music which addresses important topics like diversity and respect?

The most challenging part of writing such lyrics is to make them relevant for everyone. I try to tackle this by describing the world how I observe it, or questioning a subject, but not necessarily giving an opinion in the lyrics. It's up to the listeners to make the thought experiment for themselves. With the song "Our Common Future," for instance, the line "Survival of the fittest, or survival for us all?" is a good example of questioning the situation we're in this world. And, by then, in the chorus using the lines "We are all in the same boat here, we are all on the same planet," I try to make it relevant for everyone.

Another song of ours that comes to mind is "Keep Hope Alive," which deals about euthanasia. The lyrics never give out an explicit opinion, but again ask a question: "Who are we to decide to keep Hope alive?".

3. What inspired you to collaborate with Kyoko Baertsoen, and what was the process like?

I've been a long time fan of the triphop band "Lunascape." which was co-founded by Kyoko. I first heard her singing in 2001 with the Lunascape song "Sequoia" on a Belgian late night show called "De Laatste Show." I was instantly in love with the band. Kyoko has a very distinctive voice, very warm, emotional and a bit mysterious. I found it could be a perfect fit for this song and went searching on the internet about how to contact her to work together (thank god for Facebook ;-)).

The process is how I usually work with all vocalists. I sent an instrumental demo, and a demo with my own voice on it "singing" the lyrics. The vocalists then take that back and make it their own, recording it at their studio and send me back the vocals. It's a process that's very efficient and allows us to work on our own rhythms. But in general I love collaborating with different vocalists. Without being disrespectful here, those voices are like instruments for me in a track. For a while "Psy'Aviah" had a main vocalist, which was interesting as we had a more "band"-like structure and could perform live a lot. But I felt the need to go out and experiment with new and other voices again.

4. In making the video for "Our Common Future," what did you want to express?

As the lyrics try to make you reflect on the current socio-cultural and ecological state of our world, I thought it would make sense to "zoom out" and see the totality of our earth. What better way than to use the NASA Space Program footage for that. We then literally look at our planet from a distance and can contemplate its future and our future, while admiring the beautiful images shot by the telescopes and cameras of the space programs. Furthermore, it was a great way, visually, to incorporate Kyoko in the music video as she's singing the vocals through consoles, monitors, and screens.

5. What are some of your plans for the year to come, and what's the best way for fans to keep up with your work?

This very moment I'm working on a new "Psy'Aviah" album, where I'll return to my "roots," which means inviting people and collaborating with them on tracks. Most of the tracks are written and recorded, and I hope to finish the production somewhere in May 2014. The album will feature guests such as Mari Kattman, Lis van den Akker, Lisa Nascimento, and again Kyoko Baertsoen. We're also working on having a very cool remix line-up for the limited edition!

Updates, behind the scenes clips, and contests are posted on our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts. So those are the best to stay in touch with us: facebook.com/psyaviah - @psy_aviah - youtube.com/psyaviah.

Thanks, Yves!

Meet Sean Breed, Recording Artist

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sean Breed grew up listening to R&B and rap music and began writing poetry and lyrics at a young age. He has traveled the world and performed with a variety of artists and musicians, and in 2005 he started Selym Records and released several independent singles. In spring of 2014, Sean Breed is releasing his full length LP. The album's title is an acronym meant to start a dialogue : H.ate I.s T.aught L.ove E.nds R.acism.

1. How did you come up with the acronym which makes up the title of your forthcoming album?

I was on social media, and people were asking me what the title of my album is. I remember without a second thought writing HITLER. I kept saying to myself that there had to be a reason that my subconscious mind thought of that title, so I called my producer Beat'n Da Oddz over to figure it out. Hate Is Taught Love Ends Racism came to life.

2. Why did you choose to move forward with a controversial title?

It just made perfect sense. There is continuous hate, racism, and murder being committed on a daily basis because of someone's ethnicity. Even the perpetrators sometimes don't realize why they are wired to hate, but if they backtrack in their lives, they would realize that it is taught. That title gives a reason but also a solution.

3. What artists have influenced your work as a musician?

A lot of artists of old and some of the new ones. I love the whole Motown movement. The DefJam Movement, Badboy Movement. I like Movements rather than songs. I rarely like specific artists nowadays. I like specific songs. I like Drake's Movement.

4. What do you find to be the easiest part and what do you find to be the most challenging part with writing music and lyrics?

The easiest part of making music is making music. The challenging part is all the BS that comes after. The business part of the music business. The most challenging part in writing music and lyrics is recording it and hearing it a few days after and thinking,"Is this GREAT?? Or does this Suck?"

5. For someone who hasn't yet heard any of your work, how would you describe/introduce yourself as an artist?

My work relates to everyone in some way or another. There is no one who can ever say that they got nothing from my body of music, especially from the H.I.T.L.E.R album which by the way will release on 4-20-2014 which was the birth of the dictator from Germany. I would describe myself as a diversified artist who speak about Love, Hate, Party, and Ratchetness. I'm one of the future saviors of the music business, and I may not support Jordan sneakers any more.

Thanks, Sean!

Meet JSR, Independent Music Artist

JSR is an un-signed hip-hop and dance music artist from the Metro-Detroit area of Michigan. He produces all of his own music and writes his own lyrics. He prides himself on a music style that is unique and different from the Detroit norm. JSR is well-networked in the Detroit nightlife and party scene, as well as on the student campus scenes. He has worked with many other local artists, and just recently released his debut studio album. He recently opened up for the Ying Yang twins, and has received radio airplay numerous times on Detroit's 89x Radio Station, for which he was the "pick-of-the-week" from local talent.

Check out his first song, Bye Bye Mr. Nice Guy, on iTunes, and find more of his work on JSR's YouTube channel, as well as his Bandcamp page.

1. What's the story/inspiration behind your first single?

My inspiration behind Bye Bye Mr. Nice Guy is basically being tired of being pushed around. You go through this whole thing with rivals, non-believers, and love interests and after a while of being put down about what I wanna be, I just got upset and decided to retaliate in a way. Music just happens to be the best outlet when you're going through some things in life.

2. How would you describe the music scene in Detroit?

The scene in Detroit has a lot of talent. I'm proud to be in a pool of great artists. However, there doesn't seem to be a huge group of individuals or groups that's really trying to express a diverse feel. I love all types of music so I'm trying to convey that I can make what I like whether it be hip hop, trap, pop, or whatever else makes me happy.

3. What projects are you currently working on?

My current project I'm working on is my new album, Avid Dreams, which this new single is gonna be featured on. The title "Avid Dreams" derives from me constantly dreaming and wishing to live a certain flashy lifestyle. I wanna be the next big star out of my city and I strive to be that.

4. How would you categorize your music in terms of genres?

Music in terms of genres I guess you could classify me as hip hop because I'm a rapper at the end of the day, but one of my friends actually just told me that I should be put under hip hop/pop.

5. Who are some artists whose work has been influential to you as you develop your own music career?

I've been influenced by some of everybody, but I'd say some of the biggest would have to be Timbaland and Pharrell as far as producers seeing as I how I produce 95% of my own music. As far as artist I'm really inspired by Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Justin Timberlake, and Kanye West. I could go on and on but those guys probably keep the inspiration coming.

Thanks, JSR!

Meet T-time Music, Independent Music Artist

T-time Music is an up-and-coming independent artist who has been making a lot of noise in the press as of lately. T-time Music was trending in India the first week of January after his single release "#WORK" gained 22,000 views in a matter of 24 hours. He will be shooting and releasing the official music video via the online news source World Star Hip Hop in March along with his mixtape release.

Watch the video for "#WORK" on YouTube, and follow T-time Music on Twitter for his latest news. He has over 100,000 Twitter followers and is trending on Twitter.

1. What was the music scene like where you grew up, and what's it like in Indianapolis now?

The music scene growing up in Muncie, IN was challenging for me. I wanted to go out and do bigger things than I was allowed to in high school. I had to sit and watch a few opportunities pass by before I made my own money and did my own things.

2. What do you think has helped you to find fans all over the world, such as your current success in India?

Finding global success for your music in today's industry only comes from investing in yourself. I have invested in promotions out of my own pocket and built up my brand name from the ground up. I always set bigger goals than my competition and have worked my ass off to accomplish them.

3. As an independent artist, how are mixtapes important for you in connecting with listeners?

Mixtapes are very important to me. A mixtape is a direct connection with my fans. We can give the fans the music they want to hear and for free. I am looking forward to completing my next mixtape and premiering it on Datpiff.com & WorldStarHipHop.com.

4. What inspired you to include a hashtag in the title of your current single, "#WORK"?

I would say accessibility. We got over 10,000 retweets in a few hours on "#WORK." It is just one of those things where I made an executive decision about and ran with it. "#WORK" also topped the trends for #nowplaying two days in a row with over 12,000 retweets.

5. Do you have any tips for other artists seeking to break out on Twitter?

I would say just make a direct connection with each fan. No person is too small to say "Thank you" to. A small investment of your time in creating personal interactions can go a long way.

Thanks, T-time Music!

Meet Mbeyeline, Independent Music Artist

MBeyeline is an artist on the rise. Her worldwide fan base is closing in on 100,000 people and growing, and she's approaching 4 million views on her YouTube channel, MBeyeline TV. At just 19 years old and being an independent artist, she will open for Pitbull in New York and France in the coming months, and her music video, Total Control, is advertised in Times Square, NYC.

1. When you were growing up in the Republic of Moldova, how did you first get introduced to R&B music?

I got introduced to R&B music thanks to my aunt. Being just a couple of years older than I am, she was always watching MTV so the music played there grew on me and defined me as an artist later.

2. What made you decide to break out as a rapper?

My "too manly" attitude doesn't fit with me just being a pretty lady performing R&B on stage. I feel rap music with all my heart. I've been through many things in my life, and all the aggressiveness can be easily converted to art through rap. Rap music allows you to share your lyrical diary with the world.

3. Why do you think there aren't more female rap artists in Europe?

There are. But none of them have made it all the way across the ocean. And none of them have the recognition I've worked so hard for and gained for myself. 4 million YouTube views, 50,000+ worldwide fans and collaborations with American rap artists--and this is just the beginning.

4. How has YouTube helped you find fans all over the world?

YouTube started my career. Through this amazing platform, I have managed to build a strong name for myself, get booked on shows, be invited for interviews on TV channels and radio stations, and now, earn money, too.

5. Finally, a two-part question: What's the biggest challenge in being an independent artist, and what's the biggest benefit?

The biggest challenge is that you basically have to do for yourself everything that a record label does for their artists. From writing the songs, to taking them to the professional studios to have them mixed and mastered, promoting them to radio stations, hiring video producers, paying for video production, having your music videos pushed to all available broadcasting channels, managing yourself, booking your own shows and gigs, taking care of all transportation to the interviews you are invited to, and so on.

The biggest benefit is that you learn all these things--otherwise you would have never known how this business goes for real. This way when you get more money and take your career to the next level, you know what's good, what's bad, what's a scam, and what's a real opportunity. You prepare the throne for a long lasting career.

Thanks, MBeyeline!